ICE Dallas Arrests MS-13-Linked Fugitive Wanted for Assassination Attempt

On June 30, officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dallas apprehended Maria Julia Varela, a 36-year-old national from El Salvador, who has connections to the notorious transnational gangs MS-13 and Barrio 18.

Varela is being sought in El Salvador for orchestrating an assassination attempt. Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), stated that Varela escaped to the U.S. in a bid to avoid facing justice. 

“This individual who has crossed borders from El Salvador is attempting to escape legal repercussions and justice,” Pickard stated. “HSI Dallas is committed to making sure that communities in North Texas do not become safe havens for international fugitives.”

The apprehension was executed by the HSI Dallas Violent Gangs Task Force, with support from the FBI Dallas, U.S. Marshals, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, and the IRS. The operation was a component of HSI’s National Gang Surge, per the Executive Order from the Trump Administration aimed at safeguarding Americans from transnational criminal threats.

Varela, who initially arrived in the U.S. in 2016 as part of a family unit and received a notice to appear, will stay in ICE custody while awaiting her deportation to El Salvador.

Authorities urge individuals to report any criminal acts or unusual behavior by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by submitting tips through their online platform.

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